Sorry to hear this, but... all grads this year is particularly unlucky due to the pandemic. Before we have to compete with CS grads, now, not only them, but also other seniors developers who lost jobs!
One possible way is that you dig into algorithm, if you can pass those, there is a chance to work for some remote work companies.... those often use that as a first step of screening. Of course, to us self-taught people this is just as daunting as getting a CS degree...
As for portfolio, think about what your potential clients would want. Build an MVP that's as serious as possible. Companies often want to see if you understand the whole aspect of project, not one page app.
Seeking open source project and contribute to that, or even consider unpaid internship (I hate that but now it has to be an option) to gain "team work" experience, mentorship, and possible recommendation from another developer. With this, it would be easier as you're somewhat "vetted" by some developer. I've seen quite a few graduating from the same school you mentioned posting msg, none had an easy time. So you're not alone.... it's just not easy, especially this year. :(
Open source is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I have yet to contribute on any serious level (other than silly typos and things like that) and a huge part of me has some serious imposter syndrome when it comes to contributing to other code bases, but I know it's an important step and I should definitely dig in sooner than later.
Yeah I understand. I often feel the same! But maybe you can also do a larger project and put the code on github, it’s kinda open source too except there’s no pr etc... but it’s a start! Some, but not all, good companies do look at those. Unfortunately if it’s only recruiters or hr they are unlikely to check your code but you can still persuade them by having a good portfolio with meaningful projects.
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Sorry to hear this, but... all grads this year is particularly unlucky due to the pandemic. Before we have to compete with CS grads, now, not only them, but also other seniors developers who lost jobs!
One possible way is that you dig into algorithm, if you can pass those, there is a chance to work for some remote work companies.... those often use that as a first step of screening. Of course, to us self-taught people this is just as daunting as getting a CS degree...
As for portfolio, think about what your potential clients would want. Build an MVP that's as serious as possible. Companies often want to see if you understand the whole aspect of project, not one page app.
Seeking open source project and contribute to that, or even consider unpaid internship (I hate that but now it has to be an option) to gain "team work" experience, mentorship, and possible recommendation from another developer. With this, it would be easier as you're somewhat "vetted" by some developer. I've seen quite a few graduating from the same school you mentioned posting msg, none had an easy time. So you're not alone.... it's just not easy, especially this year. :(
Annie, thank you for your reply and insight!
Open source is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I have yet to contribute on any serious level (other than silly typos and things like that) and a huge part of me has some serious imposter syndrome when it comes to contributing to other code bases, but I know it's an important step and I should definitely dig in sooner than later.
Yeah I understand. I often feel the same! But maybe you can also do a larger project and put the code on github, it’s kinda open source too except there’s no pr etc... but it’s a start! Some, but not all, good companies do look at those. Unfortunately if it’s only recruiters or hr they are unlikely to check your code but you can still persuade them by having a good portfolio with meaningful projects.